Donald Trump Convicted on All Charges in Hush Money Case, Making History as First Former US President Found Guilty of a Crime
Desk Report, June 01, 2024: Donald Trump made history as the first former US president to be convicted of a crime. A New York jury found him guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months before a potential return to the White House.
The jury convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a payment intended to silence porn star Stormy Daniels. Though he could theoretically face four years in prison for each count, probation is more likely. The 77-year-old Republican, released without bail, now holds the unprecedented status of a felon among US presidents.
Despite his conviction, Trump remains eligible to run against President Joe Biden in November, even if he ends up in prison. Expressing defiance, Trump told reporters, “I’m a very innocent man,” and promised that voters would deliver the “real verdict.” He denounced the trial as “rigged” and “a disgrace.” Biden’s campaign responded, stating the trial underscored that “no one is above the law,” and emphasized the threat Trump poses to democracy.
Judge Juan Merchan scheduled sentencing for July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is expected to secure the party’s formal nomination. The 12-member jury deliberated for over 11 hours across two days before delivering their unanimous verdict. Judge Merchan praised the jurors for their “difficult and stressful task,” noting their identities were kept secret, a rare measure often seen in cases involving violent defendants.
Trump also faces federal and state charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and hoarding secret documents post-presidency. These trials, involving more serious allegations, are unlikely to commence before the presidential election.
The conviction stems from Trump falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Daniels just before the 2016 election. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, testified in detail about a 2006 sexual encounter with the married Trump. Prosecutors argued the hush money and its cover-up aimed to prevent voters from learning about Trump’s actions.
Cohen, the prosecution’s key witness and a former aide turned adversary, hailed the verdict as “an important day for accountability and the rule of law.” Trump, denying any sexual encounter with Daniels, did not testify. His defense argued the payments were legal.
The trial has diverted Trump’s attention from his campaign against Biden. However, he leveraged the media spotlight, issuing a fundraising appeal titled “I am a political prisoner!” and announcing plans for a public statement.
Political analyst Keith Gaddie from Texas Christian University noted the impact of these events on voting remains uncertain. He suggested it might influence outcomes in closely contested states. As a first-time convict, Trump is likely to face probation. An appeal is expected, potentially taking months to resolve. If Trump wins the presidency, he cannot pardon himself since the case is state-level, leaving only the New York governor with that authority.
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